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Ten Ways to Fight Childhood Obesity

JkAmLlLoKi — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:54:34 +0000

“Top Ten Ways to Fight child obesity”

1. Cut out the soda and high sugar juices. Sugar loaded beverages should be viewed as a sweet treat, not a necessity with every meal.

2. Eat a variety of 5 fruits and vegetables a day. The department of health reports eating by the “5 a day rule” can significantly reduce the risk of many chronic diseases and other child obesity health risks.

3. Make breakfast. Studies show kids who eat breakfast have better focus and perform better in school.

4. Stock your fridge with Low-fat dairy products. Once a child is over the age of two, there is no longer a need for the fat provided in dairy products. Therefore, go as low as you can with 1% to nonfat milk.

5. Fiber load it. Fiber is great for their digestive system and also keeps their stomach full without the added calories.

6. Healthy Snacks. One of the major causes of high child obesity rates is poor snacking, so pack your shelves with healthy snacks instead of high fructose and trans fat loaded snacks.

7. Limit Television time. They may groan and fuss but they’ll thank you later. Limiting TV time forces they to find other means of entertainment-hopefully #10!

8. Sign them up for Sports. This is a great way for them to make friends and burn off some extra calories!

9. Pack their Lunch. When you pack their lunch, you have more control over what foods they’re taking in. So make it nutritious!

10. EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE! Last but not least, the only way to burn their caloric intake is to get out and play, so encourage them to get outside play around.

Follow this childhood obesity program and Fight Childhood Obesity with a healthier and happier child!

Leading Causes of Child Obesity

JkAmLlLoKi — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:47:37 +0000

One of the leading causes of child obesity is an unhealthy diet. While many parents would like to blame genetics for their child’s increase in weight, genetics is not responsible for this surge in childhood weight gain.

Insufficient Exercise

Many people would agree that “back in the day” insufficient exercise would never be a problem for kids. However, in age that dwells on video games, computer programs, and many indoor activities, children are beginning to focus more on instant gratification and less on old fashion fun (unfortunately, this includes playing outside).

Naturally, sitting in front of a TV screen doesn’t burn as many calories as playing a game of tag or wiffle ball. Therefore the caloric intake of your child is not being burned off by sitting indoors, and overtime the pounds begin to add on. So, give your kid an old fashion kick in the butt and get them outdoors to enjoy being a real (and healthy) kid again!

Excessive Snacking

It’s time to go by the rule “What isn’t there to tempt you, won’t be a problem.” Today supermarket shelves are packed with the latest “healthy” gummy chews, breakfast pop tarts, and more of the not so healthy options. Sure their labels push “100% vitamin C!” but it’s time to take a look at their other ingredients, such as 25g+ of sugar, high fructose corn syrup, trans fats and more. Instead of giving your child all of these unnecessary and health compromising ingredients, place an orange in their lunchbox for an all natural 100% Vitamin C.

Pack your cabinets with healthier options for your kids to snack on. Try to stay away from the fried options, and throw some baked chips on your shelves. Keep your counters stocked with healthy fruit options in order for your kids to take in the recommended five fruit a day! Kids may groan that your lacking the sugar packed breakfast cereals, but let them enjoy that while on sleepovers at their friends- keep it out of your house!

Genetic Factors

Genetic factors are rarely the cause of childhood obesity. Only in specific cases, such as medical disorders, are genetic factors the sole player in childhood weight gain. One example of this severe weight gain in children can be caused by the rare genetic disorder known as Prader-Willi syndrome. Nevertheless, the rapid rise in weight gain cannot be attributed solely to genetic factors.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention makes a valid point that “the genetic characteristics of the human population [has] not changed in the last three decades, but the prevalence of obesity has tripled among school-aged children during that time.

Environmental Factors

There are many factors outside of your home that affect your child’s food intake such as child care, school, and community environments. Make sure you child care providers are enforcing your healthy eating habits while you’re not there. Pack a healthy lunch for your child that includes a balance of fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein. In recent years schools have implemented programs that focus on improving the nutrition of school lunches, and focus on increasing the physical activity of their students. However, not every school is up to date, so it is imperative to take the time to pack your child a healthy lunch that will not only balance their diet, but improve their focus in school.

Find ways to fight child obesity here.

Childhood Obesity

JkAmLlLoKi — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:40:11 +0000

In a society that is constantly on the move, people have become more inclined to order fast food than to pack a healthy lunch. However, it is one thing to abuse your own health with McDonald’s; it’s another thing to abuse the health of your child.

Childhood is time for running around, sports, playing with friends, and having a good time. Unfortunately, many kids today are suffering from obesity which has slowed down their ability to enjoy childhood activities. While your son or daughter sees their weight as a means for which kids can pick on them, you should see child obesity for what it really is- a horrific occurrence which could lead to greater health detriments throughout their entire life.

Studies on Childhood Obesity in America have proven that children who suffer from obesity are at greater risk for health problems later in life. Childhood obesity can increase risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes. Statistics in Childhood Obesity have shown that individuals who suffer from obesity at ages 8 and under are at an even greater risk to suffer from severe obesity in adulthood.

One of the best ways to prevent child obesity is to track the weight of your child by using the Body Mass Index system. This system takes into account your weight, height, and age in order to determine your weight compared to the healthiest weight range you could be. The BMI system for children and adolescents (ages 2-19 yrs) considers children overweight when the BMI is 85-95th percentile, and obese at 95th percentile and above. Find the best age and sex sensitive BMI calculator here.